VFX or Visual Effects is a term used to describe imagery created, manipulated or enhanced for any film, or other moving media such as advertising or video gaming, which cannot take place during live-action shooting. VFX is the integration between actual footage and this manipulated imagery to create realistic-looking environments. VFX producers use computer-generated imagery and VFX software to create backgrounds, locations and effects. VFX producers communicate with directors and cinematographers to determine which scenes require them to shoot with green screens and other techniques.
VFX has become increasingly integral of content production. Just 10 years ago, VFX was limited to larger film productions. Now, with increasingly powerful consumer computers and creative workflows, VFX is finding its way into lower cost productions and opening up a wide range of new creative possibilities. This trend creates the perfect timing to launch an accredited VFX program that provides a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of VFX supervision and production. In the past, filmmaking was the entry point to learning special and visual effect. Now, with the increasing capabilities - and lower cost - of workstations, VFX is becoming the entry point for content creation with many productions depending on VFX to tell the story.
The classes are delivered asynchronously online so students can complete work at their convenience. Textbook reading, video lectures, quizzes and exercises/projects must be completed each week. Students will have the opportunity to meet live via videoconferencing with the course instructor. Additionally, students will have industry mentors who offer virtual office hours, email guidance, discussion forums and more for feedback and questions. Grades and class communication will be provided using Blackboard.
Each course is eight weeks long, and students will take two or three classes every eight weeks. Two eight-week sessions are offered every semester.
In the classes, students will complete explorations and projects. Explorations are small assignments that are completed to show weekly course comprehension. They are often accompanied with ready-made files and digital assets. Projects are larger assignments to show proficiency, solely and originally created by the student and can be used in the final student Demo Reel. There are multiple explorations per week, and one or two projects completed over the course of the term. Lecture courses have no formal projects, but explorations and quizzes.
Scores of global visual effects, motion design and film studios are always looking to hire artists and filmmakers who can prove their proficiency in industry best practices and techniques and can apply their skills to visual effects challenges, incorporating all the software and knowledge acquired in the program. Successful graduates can pursue career opportunities in the VFX industry such as VFX digital artists, CG supervisors, VFX supervisors, directors, producers, and studio leads.
Employment information is not available specifically for the VFX industry since it is a new field; however, job prospects are strong in the related areas of film and video editing and of multimedia art and animation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators:
The OOH reports that 69,200 film and video jobs existed in 2018 with 1,360 of those jobs located in Texas primarily in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area. The job outlook is for film and video editors and camera operators shows an 11-14 percent growth (much faster than average) from 2018 to 2028.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Multimedia Artists and Animators:
YR1 - 1st Semester
YR 1 - 2nd Semester
Students who complete one year will earn VFX Level One Certificate
YR 2 - 1st Semester
YR 2 - 2nd Semester
Students who complete two years will earn VFX AAS
If you need to improve your English to enter post-secondary academic or career training programs, the English as a Second Language (ESL) for Career Ready You program welcomes individuals at the low-beginning to advanced levels who want to improve their English. Academic- and career-focused, non-credit English classes are offered to citizens, permanent residents, refugees, and others who want to improve their reading, writing, speaking, land listening. Students enrolling only in ESL for CRU courses are not required to meet any college admission requirements.
No portfolio is required for admission. Students should go to the AC Enrollment webpage to apply for admission. Amarillo College (AC) has an open door admissions policy that ensures that all people who can benefit from higher education have an opportunity to do so. After students are admitted to the program, they should contact Program Advisor Pam Valdez, phflores@actx.edu, for registration assistance.
A degree from Amarillo College costs approximately one-third of the average tuition for a four-year institution. The overall cost of a students education depends upon the number of semester hours they are taking and their place of residence. For a breakdown of costs, please visit theTuitions and Fees page.
Yes. Financial aid awards at Amarillo College are made on the basis of financial need, academic progress, achievement, or other qualifications required by the donors of the funds. For more information about financial aid, please visit the Financial Aid page.
Yes. Students seeking scholarships should complete the general Amarillo College Foundation application, which can be found on the Foundation webpage.
Some workstations will be provided at Amarillo Colleges Washington Street Campus. The VFX workstations are robust and top-of-the-line, featuring multi-core Xeon processors, high-end nVidia video cards and industry-standard software packages. Students who live elsewhere or who wish to work from home will need to provide their own computer equipment according to the program specifications.
Students are expected to be prepared with a working computer, and stable, reliable internet access. Minimum internet connectivity should be broadband with 12 to 25 Mbps Download and 3 to 5 Mbps Upload.
Minimum Computer Configuration:
Recommended Computer Configuration:
All the software used in the VFX curriculum includes free or deeply discounted educational versions. Where there is a small fee for the educational software, Amarillo College will supply a floating license server that students can connect to, input their Amarillo College credentials, and be issued one license. Duplicate licenses requested with the same email address will not be honored. All software is to be installed locally, not utilizing RGS or remote workstation solutions. A list of software needed for each class will be provided in the course syllabus. Below is a list of the complete software required for the entire program, with educational price points:
Students are expected to purchase the course textbook(s) for each class within the first week of class, and copies can be purchased online or in person through the AC Bookstore.